CARACAS: The presidents of Colombia and Brazil called Thursday for fresh polls in Venezuela following international condemnation of last month’s vote that the opposition party says was stolen by Nicolas Maduro.
US President Joe Biden signaled he was also calling for a new poll, but hours later the White House walked back his statement. Brazil and Colombia leaders discuss a possible “political exit” from Venezuela’s post-election crisis during a phone conversation, urged Maduro to consider fresh polls in the country.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that If Maduro is a sensible person, he could may appeal to the people of Venezuela, perhaps even organize polls. Lula told the local media that there should be “criteria for participation of all candidates” in fresh elections.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro called on social media for the lifting of sanctions against Caracas, a general amnesty,” free elections” and a “transitional cohabitation government.”
US President Joe Biden told the media that he would support fresh elections in Venezuela. However, the White House suggested President Biden meant something more general.
“The US again calls for the will of the Venezuelan people to be respected and for talks to begin on a transition back to democratic norms,” a National Security Council spokesman said.
